Oliver Talukder, a Philadelphia-based oboist of Mexican and Bengali heritage, brings a unique blend of cultural influences to the world of classical music. Born and raised in the vibrant community of the suburbs of Chicago, IL, Oliver's musical journey began at age 10, and his musical prowess has been honed through years of dedication.

Oliver currently serves as the Second Oboist in the esteemed Opera Philadelphia Orchestra. His versatility and artistry have led him to collaborate with illustrious ensembles such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, the Princeton Symphony Orchestra, and Symphony in C.

A recent graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, Oliver completed his Bachelor’s Degree, under the guidance of Katherine Needleman and Philippe Tondre. His formative years were enriched by the mentorship of luminaries such as Richard Woodhams, William Welter, Xiomara Mass, Robert Walters, Elizabeth Koch Tiscione, and Toyin Spellman-Diaz whose wisdom and expertise have played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic vision. While at Curtis, he held the William S. Mulherin and Joseph F. Baker Fellowship.

A product of Chicago's vibrant music scene, Oliver's musical foundation was laid during his time in the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO), the People’s Music School, and the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative (CMPI). At CYSO, he immersed himself in the main orchestra and many supplementary programs, including Chamber Music, the Ambassadors Program, the Chamber Orchestra, and the Social Media Team. With CYSO, he went on a memorable tour of the Baltics, where he played in Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, and St. Petersburg, leaving an indelible mark on audiences across Europe.

In the summer of 2019, Oliver was selected as a member of Carnegie Hall's prestigious National Youth Orchestra of the USA (NYOUSA), making his Carnegie Hall debut at age 17 and embarking on a transformative European tour to Berlin, Hamburg, Edinburgh, London, and Amsterdam.

Oliver's talent has been further underscored by accolades such as the First Prize in the 2022 Midwest Double Reed Society Competition and Outstanding Instrumentalist in the 2024 Sphinx Orchestral Partners Audition Competition.

Beyond his commitment to the classical canon, Oliver takes pride in championing the music of living composers. As he continues to evolve as an artist and ambassador of music, Oliver remains steadfast in his mission to enrich lives, bridge cultures, and inspire generations to come through the language of music.